Seller Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about valuations, confidentiality, and representation when preparing to exit.
No. Confidentiality is the cornerstone of our process. We market all businesses using blind teasers that omit names, specific locations, and brand indicators. No identifying information is shared with a buyer until they have signed a binding NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) and verified their financial capability.
We normalize your financial statements to calculate the Seller's Discretionary Earnings (SDE) or adjusted EBITDA. We then apply market multiples based on recent transaction data in your sector and geography, accounting for capital assets, growth trajectory, and customer concentration.
Cortland Business Brokers operates on a success-fee model. We do not charge upfront listing fees, valuation retainers, or monthly administration fees. We only get paid when the transaction successfully closes.
The typical transaction timeline ranges between 6 to 9 months. This includes preparing marketing materials, vetting buyers, negotiating deal terms, coordinating due diligence, and securing escrow/financing.
SDE stands for Seller's Discretionary Earnings. It normalizes financials by adding back owner salary, personal benefits, and one-time capital expenses to show the true earnings power of a company. SDE is used for owner-operator businesses, whereas EBITDA is standard for larger businesses with absentee ownership.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help you navigate the exit process confidentially. Feel free to request a valuation or schedule a secure consultation directly.